Gazza to face trial accused of racially aggravated offence

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne is set to face trial accused of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The 49-year-old, whose career included spells at Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers, is alleged to have used "threatening or abusive words or behaviour" during An Evening With Gazza show in Wolverhampton.

Gascoigne, who lives in Dorset, was granted unconditional bail in June after appearing at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

The ex-footballer, who will attend the same court for a one-day trial, denies committing the offence on November 30 last year.

At least four witnesses are expected to give evidence at the trial, due to take place before a district judge.

Gascoigne, who retired from football in 2005, also played for Everton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Lazio, and made 57 appearances for England between 1988 and 1998.